CAPTCHA challenges by cognitive function

Hi All,

I have categorized, by cognitive function, the challenges people with cognitive disabilities may encounter with CAPTCHA. In doing so, it appears to me there are likely more challenges, especially for the cognitive functions of memory, attention, and math comprehension. I welcome suggestions and feedback.

People with cognitive disabilities may not be able to:


*      Memory

o   become accustomed to CAPTCHA because there are multiple versions of it

*      Problem-solving
o   complete the multi-step procedure for submitting the CAPTCHA text
o   complete a timed CAPTCHA due to slowness in completing all steps

*      Attention
o   focus due to irrelevant instructions such as "stop spam" and "read books"

*      Reading, linguistic, and verbal comprehension

o   have the advantage of comprehending the meaning of words or images
o   understand text spoken in a computerized and distorted voice
o   recognize characters if they do not form words, or are shown in different fonts/styles

*      Math comprehension

o   enter characters in the correct order

*      Visual comprehension

o   read CAPTCHA text at all because of the intentional distortion of it

o   comprehend text that can't be enlarged without additional distortion
o  understand the purpose of buttons such as reset, listen, and help
o  recognize functional elements, such as buttons, are clickable

John

John Rochford
UMass Medical School/E.K. Shriver Center
Director, INDEX Program
Instructor, Family Medicine & Community Health
http://www.DisabilityInfo.org<http://www.disabilityinfo.org/>
Twitter: @ClearHelper